DC Reviews~ Joe Posada: Algo Esta Pasando

Joe Posada, the Tejano saxmaster, returns with a new release, Algo Esta Pasando. Packed with what some might call mainstream Tejano, I would venture to say that it’s a lot more than just your regular Tejano sound.

Backed up by some premier studio musicians and produced by Grammy winner Gilbert Velasquez, this production has a jazzy edge to it–and not just because of Posada’s sax artistry. The arrangements, the harmonies, and the instruments meld together to form some smooth tunes that will keep one singing those lyrics at any given time.

The production kicks off with Mi Ultimo Aliento and Mi Corazon y Tus Mentiras, two sax-driven rancheras that set the mood for the rest of the CD. The sax solos and the chord progressions show Posada’s ability to keep things interesting. La Vida Me Da Sorpresas melds sax, keys, and acordeon into a tune that will make you get your zapateada on.

Me Equivoque Contigo is another standard Posada Ranchera fueled by his sax and voice. Although Posada composed all of the songs, this one has more of a barrio feel to it, with the line, “Me equivoque contigo, me equivoque a lo macho, lo que fue mas gacho fue tu traizion.” Yeah, it’s really gacho when that happens.

Another tune with some barrio slang to it is Ya Estufas. I hadn’t heard the term “estufas” since middle school; basically, slang for “Ya estuvo,” or it’s over and done with. But the song is more than just those words, it really is a good “tell-off” song to a love gone bad. Como el Sol has the same kind of theme as “Tu me quemaste como el sol de mediodia,” makes her sound like a bad, bad person, but he’s still willing to keep her. (Why do we do that?)

Posada adds a couple of jazzy breaks with Ansias de Amor and Recuerdos. If you need some relaxation, these are the instrumentals to which to give a listen. Ansias de Amor features Edith Rivera on background vocals.

Finally, the one “different” song is a Chicano funk tune, Algo Esta Pasando (Sin Mi), in which Posada is backed by San Anto’s Westside Horns–a team of accomplished horn players who can play just about anything. Along with Joel Guzman’s acordeon, this funky tune is perfect when cruizin’ the streets–hydraulics, optional.

Most of Posada’s productions are all about him–his voice and his sax (and there’s nothing wrong with that!). This time around, one cannot help but notice Frankie Caballero’s acordeon and Gilbert Velasquez’s signature guitar-playing. The session players provide a great foundation to a great production. What matters most to me about such a good studio production is how well it can be reproduced live, and Posada has never disappointed in that regard. I sure hope he makes it to Houston, and soon.

There are plenty of online and brick-n-mortar stores to purchase the CD from, and you can also go to JoePosada.com if you want to forget the middle man. Bottom line: You must get it!